Friday Finds: Bar Sheds, She Sheds, And So Much More

Remember how the Man Cave gained traction in the 90s? There was a general consensus that men needed a designated place to rest, grunt and watch football. Basements across the Midwest were converted from storage rooms to adult playrooms, accommodating the inner male child – bars, hunting themes and sports memorabilia popped up like wildfire.

Well, I have come upon a new trend – backyard sheds. Nope, not those ugly sheds designed to house your tools and your mower; but rather a separate building designed for relaxation, entertainment and a refuge from the real world.

An avid gardener uses her shed for guests when she hosts garden tours.

Much like casitas (a separate small building next to a home) that are popular in the south, sheds may soon serve the same purpose here in the Midwest. Be it a social gathering point – think a bar building next to a pool (a Bar Shed), or a cozy backyard shed to serve as a personal retreat (yoga sheds, reading rooms and craft rooms have all been called She Sheds) – the idea is gaining interest among suburbanites and urbanites alike.

Our dads do a lot for us – and they deserve to be honored on Father’s Day and everyday! If your dad is the type who would appreciate a great “man cave” retreat this Father’s Day, you’ve come to the right place!

Man Caves, on DIY Network, offers these tips for getting started on your man cave:

Pick an object (pool table, jukebox, picture) that you like and will make part of the room as your inspiration in choosing the overall look and color of your man cave.

Make a list of all the materials you will need to accomplish the build. If you’re working with a budget, make sure to leave yourself a 10-15% allowance for miscellaneous or unforeseen costs.

Ask friends and family to help with the build. Try to get people with some building skills so that they might help you direct your plan of attack.

Whether you have a large space or a small space to devote to a man cave, one of the first things you’ll want to do is get a fresh coat of paint on the walls. This will give you the perfect backdrop for your man cave theme, be it sports, hunting, fishing, music or cars! If your man cave space feels a little small, check out our recent post on painting tips for small spaces.